Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, joined his European counterparts in Horsens, Denmark, for the Informal Meeting of Telecom Ministers, held between 9 and 10 October 2025.
Throughout the two-day discussions, Ministers addressed several key topics including digital well-being, age verification mechanisms and digital sovereignty. Ministers also discussed the challenges and opportunities in EU-based game development, global online brand and trademark protection, and education and science initiatives in the digital field.
During the Ministerial Roundtable, Ministers exchanged views on age verification on social media platforms. Minister Schembri highlighted the growing influence of aggressive online algorithms that increasingly shape behaviour, opinions, and even everyday life choices. He remarked that social media is a tool and like all tools it requires responsible regulation and guidance. Minister Schembri stressed that it is the duty of society to ensure that these sophisticated algorithms do not control the lives and minds of children, calling for stronger safeguards to protect their well-being. He noted that Malta is actively reviewing its national framework, including the age of children’s access to social media platforms, while affirming that a coordinated European approach remains essential to ensure consistency, effectiveness, and protection across the Union.
When discussing the measures to protect minors online, Minister Schembri stressed that Malta advocates for a balanced approach, one that promotes digital empowerment while safeguarding well-being. He added that while parental control tools are essential, they cannot on their own provide comprehensive protection. Malta therefore calls for stricter, privacy-sensitive default settings, supported by AI moderation with human oversight.
The meeting also included a discussion on Advancing Digital Sovereignty in Europe. Minister Schembri reiterated that digital sovereignty is a strategic priority for the European Union, requiring coordinated efforts to reduce reliance on non-European technologies while strengthening Europe’s own capacities through targeted investment and innovation.
He noted that in the short term, advancing digital sovereignty requires strengthening the EU’s capabilities in strategic technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cloud computing, and quantum infrastructure. Malta’s nationwide gigabit and 5G coverage, along with the adoption of digital public services, was highlighted as a model of proactive implementation. Looking to the long term, Minister Schembri identified key priorities such as promoting open standards and cross-border interoperability, reducing dependence on third-country supply chains, and supporting EU-based startups through streamlined regulation and better access to finance.
“Digital sovereignty must remain a shared European project, guided by our common values. It should empower Member States to shape the Union’s digital future while maintaining flexibility, resilience, and inclusivity at the heart of our efforts,” concluded Minister Schembri.
Minister Schembri was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr. Godwin Mifsud and Head of Secretariat Ms. Roberta Albanese Dalli during the informal meeting in Horsens, Denmark.
Photo: MEEP
